There are so many choices for training and jobs in this industry. It seems, after a few discussions and a lot of posts, that I have a lot of what these companies want, at least in a very clean DMV, no drug record, good, consistent and lengthy work experience, etc. I am in good physical condition.

Since I have a comfortable job, is there any reason I cannot actually get my CDL without making the choice about schools, training, financing, tuition reimbursement, etc? I am not talking about anything other than studying the book on my own and taking the test.

Then my qualifications will be all of the above, plus " have CDL, need training and a job ".

It seems most rookies combine the training with the CDL. Clearly, this will eventually happen, but must I wait for the book study and the actual test? It is hard to tell whether the test itself includes driving a rig, because so much of what I read here combines training with getting the CDL itself.

With this in mind, I have located some online CDL training manuals. The system did not let me post it below, so the link is on Schneider's web site. My state DMV locations are all out of manuals, so I have downloaded one and will study it this way instead.

This just happens to be on a Scheider web site. I do not work for them, nor do I have any form of connection to them.

ETA:

I just began reading the online version of the CDL manual, and it seems the answer to my question is clear--one must pass a skills test on a specific vehicle s/he will be driving. So clearly, the answer to my basic question is NO....

Those websites would just help you get your permit frankly don't wast the cash on them. Has a school spends the first few days doing the same thing. You will only need the permit while your training to take your CDL skill, driving, inspection tests. Once you have your CDL by school, employer, or other means then you will go on to what ever training your employer deems necessary. once thats over with then your off on your own so to speak.

If you should use a route other then school or employers school to get your CDL you will run into a problem. Lets say you know someone who has a truck you get your permit and then he teaches you what you need to know and do to pass the test. You take and pass the CDL sweet right? Wrong, sadly insurances companies will consider you to have a total of ZERO exp and there is only about three companies that can or will hire you regardless of what your DMV record looks like. If you have gone though some sort of school however they consider that to be the same has four months exp. People run into this same problem when they take to long to find a job after gaining a CDL by paying for their own school or use some state fund or other. I think its after three or four months. Surprisingly the same thing happens if you have stopped driving OTR for three years or longer I ran into that one myself.

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I hear that Coke and Pepsi train you for free. FWIW. A CDL with no cash outlay and no commitment would be nice. Not sure if this is accurate, but you might check it out.

That was a very informative post. Just wanted to say thank you.

I wonder if any vets are reading this thread. Anyone want to comment on whether Coke and Pepsi will train the right people for free?